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KL Rahul's 8th ODI Ton Cements His Role as India's Crisis Man

. QUOTE: "He is making sure to either finish the game or not let the game finish for India with his versatility as a batter." KEYPOINTS: Scored 112* off 92 balls | Master accumulator at No.5 with avg of 64.21 | Excellent finisher in overs 41-50 | Key 73-run stand with Jadeja | Stellar record vs NZ: avg 93.8 TAGS: Cricket | KL Rahul | India vs New Zealand | ODI Century | Batting SUMMARY: KL Rahul struck a magnificent unbeaten 112 to rescue India from 115/3, guiding them to a total of 284/7 in the second ODI against New Zealand. His innings perfectly balanced accumulation and a late explosive finish, scoring 60 runs off his final 39 balls. Rahul's statistics solidify his unique value, boasting exceptional averages both at number five and in the death overs. His partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy were crucial in setting a competitive target.

Key Points: KL Rahul Hits 8th ODI Century, Proves Middle-Order Mastery

  • Scored 112* off 92 balls
  • Master accumulator at No.5 with avg of 64.21
  • Excellent finisher in overs 41-50
  • Key 73-run stand with Jadeja
  • Stellar record vs NZ: avg 93.8
3 min read

KL Rahul: India's middle-order crisis man strikes eighth ODI ton while balancing accumulation and finishing duties

KL Rahul scored a brilliant 112* against NZ, showcasing his dual role as accumulator and finisher. See his stunning stats and match summary.

"He is making sure to either finish the game or not let the game finish for India with his versatility as a batter."

Rajkot, January 14

Indian middle-order batter KL Rahul hit his eighth ODI ton during the second ODI against New Zealand at Rajkot on Wednesday, continuing his fine run as a middle-order batter doubling up as an accumulator and finisher.

KL entered the crease when India was three down for 115 and soon witnessed Virat Kohli's stump removed for 23. However, KL carried on for almost 30 overs, scoring a brilliant 112* in 92 balls, with 12 fours and a six at a strike rate of 121.74.

Since 2025, KL has found a quicker gear and tempo in ODIs batting in the middle order, scoring 283 runs from overs 41-50 at a strike rate of 140.09, with his run count being the best and SR being the fourth-best after WI's Justin Greaves (194 runs at 160.3), NZ's Glenn Phillips (244 runs at 157.4) and Janith Liyanage of Sri Lanka (201 runs at an average of 147.8).

Entering the 41st over, KL had hit 52 in 53 balls, with six fours, at a strike rate of over 98. Completing the innings, he hit 60 in his next 39 balls, with six fours and a six at a strike rate of over 153.

KL, now batting at sixth position more frequently as a finisher, is a masterful accumulator at number five. In 33 innings at number five, KL has made 1,477 runs at an average of 64.21, with a strike rate of 99.59, including three centuries and 10 fifties.

At number six, KL has made 332 runs in 12 innings at an average of 47.42, with a strike rate of 99.10 and a fifty. He is making sure to either finish the game or not let the game finish for India with his versatility as a batter.

Since last year, batting mostly at six and on three occasions at five in ODIs, KL has scored 508 runs in 16 matches and 13 innings at an average of 72.57, with a strike rate of over 112, including a century and two fifties.

He has a fine record against NZ in ODIs, having made 469 runs in 10 innings at an average of 93.8, with an SR of over 111 with two centuries and a fifty. His best score is 112*.

Coming to the match, NZ opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Rohit Sharma (24 in 38 balls, with four boundaries) and skipper Shubman Gill (56 in 53 balls, with nine fours and a six) started off well with a 70-run opening stand, but they lost their way courtesy of a fine spell of Kristian Clarke (3/56), which removed Rohit, Virat and Shreyas Iyer. KL's 73-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja (27) and a 57-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy (20) took India to 284/7 in 50 overs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The transformation in his game is remarkable. From being an anchor, he's now a genuine finisher. Striking at 153 in the last 39 balls is world-class. He's solved a huge problem for India.
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Priya S
Honestly, we need to appreciate his consistency. He's always there when the team is in trouble. That average of 93.8 against NZ is just insane! Hope he keeps this form for the big tournaments.
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Vikram M
While the innings was brilliant, I have one respectful criticism. Sometimes he starts a bit slow, like the 52 off 53 balls here. In a bigger chase, that early phase could build pressure. But his finishing was top-notch today.
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Rohit P
The best part is his versatility. He can bat at 5 or 6, keep wickets if needed. He's the ultimate team man. After the injury comeback, he's playing with a different level of intent. More power to him!
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Michael C
The stats comparing him to finishers from other teams are telling. He's right up there with the best in the world in the death overs. That's what separates good teams from great ones.

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